Klagenfurter Tor
(Klagenfurter Fortified Gate)
The Klagenfurter Tor was one of the four fortified gates that once provided access to the historical town of St Veit an der Glan.
Medieval Fortifications
The medieval town wall dates back to 1228 and was largely rebuilt during the 15th century. In the 16th century, the town’s defences were strengthened with the addition of a wide zwinger and three bastions.
The north-western corner bastion, built in 1532, has survived to this day.
Location of the Klagenfurter Tor
The Klagenfurter Tor protected the south-eastern entrance to the old town. It was aligned with the road to Klagenfurt and provided controlled access to traders and travellers arriving from the south and south-east.
Architecture and Features
(Based on a copperplate engraving dated 1688)
The Klagenfurter Tor was a fortified gate tower complex and consisted of:
– the gate tower itself, built on a square foundation, with multiple storeys and crenellation at the top
– a barbican
– a bridge across the moat, linking the gate tower to the barbican.
The front wall of the gate tower was level with the zwinger wall, and its rear wall with the curtain wall.
Demolition of the Fortified Gates
Between 1851 and 1890, all four gates were demolished as part of the town’s expansion and to accommodate increasing traffic:
Klagenfurter Tor – demolished in 1851
Weitensfelder Tor – demolished in 1866
Friesacher Tor – demolished in 1869
Villacher Tor – demolished in 1890
Demolition | Klagenfurter Tor
The Klagenfurter Tor was the first to be removed, in 1851, to make way for the growing urban infrastructure.
Commemorative Stone Plaque
Today, a stone plaque marks the site where the Klagenfurter Tor once stood. The carving on the plaque is based on a copperplate engraving dated 1688, in which the Klagenfurter Tor is depicted as a multi-storeyed gate tower with a barbican across the moat.
Cardinal Directions of the Four Fortified Gates
The Friesacher Tor was aligned towards the north-east (NE).
The Klagenfurter Tor was aligned towards the south-east (SE).
The Villacher Tor was aligned towards the south-west (SW).
The Weitensfelder Tor was aligned towards the north-west (NW).
